Page 10 - link magazine

10 The Link Magazine • April 2001 www.swi
Shaw residents homeless Dr Dileep Godbole

Shaw Residents' Association has been homeless since last summer Many people were deeply saddened to hear of the death of former
due to the lack of a community centre in the area, and they fear West Swindon GP Dr. Dileep Godbole after a short illness.
Swindon Council is trying to sell off land set aside for one. He retired in January of this year good GP.
The asssociaton used to meet in The site for a permanent com- having set up and practised at the He enjoyed tennis, often going
a temporary building behind Shaw munity building was identified in Shaw surgery on Ramleaze Drive to Wimbledon, and he had hoped
Village Centre but it became unus- the West Swindon development since 1987. He died in late Febru- to do some travelling with his wife
able when a leak developed in the framework plan in the early 1970s. ary, shortly before his 59th birth- during his retirement.
roof allowing water to pour onto "The council allocated £21,000 for day. Shirley said, "he was well liked
the electrics. Daily users Jellytots the design of the building between Surgery receptionists Shirley as a good friend as well as a GP.
playgroup had to be hastily relo- the Village Inn and the Holy Trin- McCormick and Jean Shipway both Many people burst into tears when
cated after twelve years. ity Church several years ago, but it worked for Dr Godbole for eleven they found out he had died. Peo-
Steve Brown, residents associa- was used elsewhere," said Steve. years and described him as a keen ple are still 'phoning to say how
tion chair said, "when we had a "We recently found out that the artist and sportsman, as well as a sad they were to hear the news."
meeting with the council, it be- council has been trying to sell the
came clear that the right hand land for commercial development.
didn't know what the left was do- "We don't object, so long as there Cuts could mean latch-key kids
ing. They repaired the roof but is a large community hall. Our Council gives less with one hand and takes more with the other
wouldn't allow us to use the build- main concern is to have somewhere Two West Swindon after school clubs are facing a crisis due to
ing because the electrics were still at the village centre for people to funding cutbacks by Swindon Council.
unsafe. Then they said the build- meet to foster community spirit."
ing should be scrapped so the roof The residents' association has The after school
repair was a waste of money. found temporary shelter in the clubs at Westlea,
"Recently they tried to rent the Village Inn where it meets on the which celebrates
old building back to us for £1,800 a first Monday of the month at 8pm. its tenth year in
year, but it's just a portakabin and All residents are welcome to join October, and at
doesn't meet new disabled access them. Steve Brown can be con- Toothill Farm pro-
legislation" tacted on 339729. vide care for
around 300 chil-
dren.
LIpe STyLe InTeR10125 Swindon has cut
Westlea's grant
Whether you just need help matching paint, wallpaper, from £14,000 two
carpet and fabric, or require a complete room makeover. • on years ago to
n i' £10,000 last year.
Brighten up your life-style by calling ^' " From April it will
Tracey on 07785 227674 Qualified consultancy from £35 be slashed to
£5,000.
Westlea super-
Cherry Hobbs, centre, with staff and
visor Cherry children at Westlea After School Club
Hobbs is worried
DuKCa^ ^ that some families may not be able may have to close. At Westlea the
to afford to use the club. "We're new grant will not even cover the
concerned that some children in £7,000 rent paid to the council.
our care will have to pull out if fees Cherry said a reason for the cut
increase; they could end up as is that the council is funding new
For a new style or colour, SM1D:^ea. latch-key kids. after school clubs by cutting grants
call in today for a "We provide affordable, conven- to existing ones, a policy she disa-
ient childcare. We have always
free consultation S been full, so we must be offering a grees with. "I understand they
have a limited budget, but the gov-
with our friendly staff e good service; we want to con- ernment's policy is to provide more
tinue." after school places. Funding new
w swaon
Although the volunteer manage- clubs at the expense of the old could
_ ^ "a
ment committee at both clubs are mean that the old ones have to
Shaw Salon, Shaw Village Centre, trying to raise additional funds, close, so they are left with the same
Swindon • Tel: 874825 there are fears that one or both number of places."

Rid e Green M.O.T.
g

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